Lucena loses historical house

By Delfin T. Mallari Jr. Philippine Daily Inquirer

THE VILLA Perez Mansion in Lucena City before it was demolished. DELFIN T. MALLARI JR.

The demolition of the Villa Perez Mansion, a popular historical landmark in Lucena City, to clear the way for the construction of a schoolbuilding has heightened public concern over the fate of other heritage sites and structures in Quezon province.

When we lose our past, we lose our identity, our tradition and our self-respect, Rogg Villar, a financial analyst and graduate of Quezon Provincial High School (QPHS), posted in the Facebook page of the schools alumni, QPHS Mahal Ko.

Many other graduates of QPHS, one of the oldest secondary schools in the province, have expressed similar heartbreaking comments in the social network site. Amelia Solana, a retired high school teacher, cried when she saw the old, three-story Villa Perez going down in pieces. She used to bring her students to the old mansion along Quezon Avenue for a glimpse of Quezons colorful past.

The demolition job of the wood-and-concrete structure started on Jan. 2 and took only a week to finish. A six-story building of Systems Technology Institute (STI) is to rise from the site after the groundbreaking program on Jan. 9.

The owners should have preserved it with the help of the local and national government, Solana said.

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Lucena loses historical house